City step up chase for Pepe - Independent

City are seeking to add European experience to the squad with Real Madrid defender Pepe, according to reports today.

The Independent claims that Manuel Pellegrini is a big fan of the Portuguese centre back, and is keen to attract more mature recruits who can make an immediate impact on City’s Champions League campaign.

Fernandinho and Jesus Navas have already arrived so far this summer, but now the Blues are said to have made Pepe the top priority.

Writes Ian Herbert: “City are unlikely to face great resistance from Real to the idea of them taking the Portuguese centre-back, who is already third choice at the Bernabeu, where there is expected to be a clear-out this summer. The 30-year-old's arrival, for a probable price of £15m, would pose new questions about the future of Joleon Lescott at City.”

Staying with a La Liga theme, reports yesterday claimed that Alvaro Negredo could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium, but Sevilla President, Jose Maria del Nido, has moved quickly to quash any suggestions that a bid has been made.

The Spanish striker has been linked with the Blues as a possible replacement for Carlos Tevez, and is also said to be attracting interest from Spurs.